Clinical Outcomes of Conventional Versus Lateral-Deployment RF Cannulas in Lumbar Medial Branch Radiofrequency Ablation
Ecem Kahraman, Alp Eren Çelenlioğlu, Sami Eksert, Mehmet Emin İnce, Fatih Şimşek, Ender Sir, Mehmet Emin OrhanObjective:
To compare conventional monopolar and lateral-deployment RF cannulas for lumbar medial branch radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in chronic facet-mediated low back pain.
Design:
Single-center, randomized, participant-blinded, two-arm superiority trial. Ninety participants were randomized 1:1; 84 with complete 6-month data were analyzed. The primary outcome was change in Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) pain intensity from baseline to 6 months. Secondary outcomes were changes in the Modified Oswestry Disability Index (MODI) and SF-12 Physical (PCS) and Mental (MCS) Component Scores.
Results:
Mean NRS change was −2.81 points with the conventional cannula and −5.52 points with the lateral-deployment cannula. The age-adjusted between-group difference was −2.795 points (95% CI, −3.967 to −1.624;
Conclusion:
The lateral-deployment cannula was associated with greater 6-month improvements in pain, disability, and physical health and with more participants achieving substantial pain relief. Larger trials with intention-to-treat analyses are needed.